Mechanic's Lien Guide
North Carolina Mechanic's Lien Guide
Lien deadlines, notice requirements, and filing procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in North Carolina.
North Carolina Lien Deadlines
Preliminary Notice
Notice to Lien Agent - 15 days from first furnishing. Notice of Furnishing - 75 days from first furnishingMust file Notice to Lien Agent on https://www.liensnc.com/ within 15 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Notice of Furnishing must be recorded in proper courts and served on GC and owner.
Mechanic's lien
120 daysMust be filed within 120 days of last work. Enforcement must be initiated within 180 days of last work. Mechanic's liens cannot be extended in North Carolina.
Calculate your North Carolina Mechanics Lien Deadline
Your project
DISCLAIMER: These deadlines are pulled from recent lien laws, but you should consult a lien expert or lawyer to understand the deadlines specific to your situation.
North Carolina deadlines
Showing deadlines for a Subcontractor. Deadlines can vary by role.
Enter your project dates on the left to calculate exact deadline dates.
Preliminary Notice
15 days from first furnishing (Notice to Lien Agent)
Enter project dates to calculate
Mechanics Lien Filing
120 days from last furnishing
Enter project dates to calculate
Enforcement (foreclosure)
180 days after last furnishing
Calculated once you record the lien
Unpaid-balance state: your lien may be limited to the amount the owner still owes the general contractor when notice is received.
North Carolina Lien Guide
Preliminary Notice & Notice of Intent
Preliminary Notice: A Notice to Lien Agent within 15 days for projects over $30,000 and a Notice of Furnishing if a Notice of Contract was recorded and posted on the job site. Notice of Intent to Lien: Not required, but recommended in North Carolina.
Who Can File a Mechanic's Lien
Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers are entitled to mechanic's lien rights in North Carolina.
Who Gets the Notice
Notice to Lien Agent is done online at liensnc.com and this goes to the lien agent. Notice of Furnishing is recorded and sent to the GC and owner.
Information Required
Information needed to file a mechanic's lien in North Carolina includes: - Project owner’s name - Property description - Labor/materials description - Amount owed - Work dates - Claimant’s info
North Carolina Public Works
In North Carolina, a mechanic's lien on public works projects is not available. Subcontractors can file suit on a payment bond. First-tier subcontractors are not required to give notice. Suit must be filed no less than 90 days and not more than 1 year from last furnishing labor or materials.
North Carolina Lien Statutes
Official Resources
Protect Your Cash Flow
Filing a mechanic's lien is the last resort. Billd helps you get paid faster so you can focus on building.
Get StartedRelated Articles
For more insights on protecting your payment rights and navigating lien laws, read these articles below.
The Billder's Bulletin
Construction finance intelligence, delivered monthly.
Join thousands of construction executives getting the Billder's Bulletin.